Changeable exhibitor



April 20, 1937. H. v. MARSH 2,077,632

CHANGEABLE EXHIBITOR Filed June 10, 1955 2 Sheets-Sheet l m M mg TORCHANGEABLE EXHIBI -Sheet 2 2 Sheets June -lO, 1935 Filed Patented Apr.20, 1937 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 2 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in signs, and more particularly,to a type of sign which may be characterized as a variable display orreading exhibitor, the invention having for an object to provide a signof the stated type wherein display matter or intelligence will bedefinitely.

and selectively varied and displayed during its operation, thusproducing a multiple or multistage exhibition.

An equally important object of the invention is to provide a changeableexhibitor capable of produoing, through the medium of simple, durable,and stable instrumentalities, a multiplicity or series of pre-arrangeddisplays whereby to accord animation or changeability to said displays,possessive of novel advertising and educational import and value.

.It is a more specific object of the invention to provide a variable orchangeable exhibitor wherein a master pattern means is co-operativelyassociated with an adjustable or movable pattern selector means of suchconstruction that when the latter is moved into or through apre-determined course of travel with relation to the former, apre-determined and changeable display will be effected by themaster'pattern means.

It is furthermore an object of the invention to provide a changeable orvariable exhibitor of the character heretofore mentioned, which, byreason of its exceedingly simple construction, may be produced at aminimum. of cost, and which, due to its mode of usage, may beadvantageously and efliciently operated at a minimum of cost over aprolonged period of time.

Yet another object of the invention resides in the provision of a devicesuch as herein referred to, whose province or range of utility will beexceedingly broad, permitting of satisfactory usage of the invention fora substantially unlimited number of advertising, educational, or similarpurposes.

Other objects of the invention will be in part obvious and in partpointed out hereinafter.

In order that the invention and its mode of operation may be readilyunderstood by those skilled in the art to which it appertains, I have inthe accompanying drawings and the detailed description based thereupon,set out several embodiments of my invention.

In these drawings:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the improved sign, showing it in onestage of operation;

Figure 2 is an enlarged fragmentary rear elevation of the same, showingthe mode of construction of the pattern selector. means and its mountingupon and adjacent the supporting body of the sign provided with themaster pattern;

Figure 3 is an enlarged fragmentary detail in longitudinal sectionthrough the sign, taken on the line 33 of Figure 2, looking in thedirection in which the arrows point;

Figure 4 is a similar view but wherein the pattern selector means isaligned with certain other openings of the master pattern than thoseillustrated in the Figure 3;

Figure 5 is an enlarged fragmentary detail in front elevation of aportion of the sign, a part of the facing material of the sign havingbeen removed and showing the master pattern means;

Figure 6 is an enlarged and fragmentary sec tion taken on the line 66 ofFigure 5, looking in the direction in which the arrows point;

Figure 7 is a front elevation of a modified form of the sign;

Figure 8 is an enlarged detail in elevation having portions broken away,illustrating the movable pattern selector means of that form of theinvention disclosed in Figure '7;

Figure 9 is an enlarged fragmentary detail in longitudinal detail takenon the line 3-3 of Figure 7, looking in the direction in which thearrows point;

Figure 10 is a similar view taken along the line 4-4 of Figure 9 and atright angles thereto, showing the master pattern means;

Figure 11 is an enlarged fragmentary detail in elevation of one of thepattern selector means in one stage of adjustment or in one positionwith respect to the master pattern means, and,

Figure 12 is a similar View showing the pattern selector, as illustratedin Figure 11, in the second or in another stage of its adjusted positionwith respect to the master pattern means.

Having more particular reference to the drawings, in connection withwhich like characters of reference will designate corresponding partsthroughout, one embodiment of the improved sign, and particularly, thatembodiment illustrated in the Figures 1 to 6 inclusive, comprises asheet-like body portion or face element designated by the numeral I,adapted to be supported in a vertical or near vertical plane by means ofarms 2 suitably hinged to the normally rearward side thereof, retainablein their respective operative positions by means of stay pieces 3, alsohinged to appropriate portions of the normally rear-ward side of thebody I, and having embracing engagement with certain portions of thearms 2, as illustrated in the Figures 1 and 2. Slots are cut incorresponding upper portions of the arms 2 and receive a transverselydisposed shelf member 4 therein, by means of which an electricincandescent lamp 5 may be supported in proximity to the rear-ward sideof the sign body. Of course, various other modes of supporting the signbody portion I may be substituted for that shown, such as conditions orpreference may dic-.

tate.

Formed in the body I are a plurality of series of relativeconcentrically arranged semi-circularly disposed short slots, the slotsof one group of series being collectively identified by the numeral 5,and those of the second group being collectively identified by thenumeral I. It will also be noted that the groups of series of slots 8and I are radially spaced with respect to each other and that thoseidentified by the numeral 6' are alternately positioned with relation tothe remaining group and are so formatively arranged as to constitute theword How, or other suitable intelligence, while the group I isformatively arranged to constitute the Word Heres, or other suitableintelligence. Other series of circularly or semicircularly arrangedslots 8 and 9 are formed in adjacent portions of the body I, on eitherside of the intelligence constituting groups 8 and I, and as will benoted, the series 8 aligns with one of the series of slots of the groupI, while the series 9 is aligned with one of the series of slotscomprehended by the group 6.

If desired, other openings, generally identified by the numeral E8, maybe formed in an appropiate portion or portions of the body I, in theshape of arrows or similar devices, for the purpose of increasing theanimate effect produced with operation of the improved sign.

A sheet of translucent material, identified by the numeral II, isarranged over the normally outer side of the sign body portion I, asshown in the Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5, the same being secured to adjacentportions of said body by adhesive or some such similar means. In thisway, the various slots identified by the numerals 6, I, 8, 9, and I5],are concealed from the View of an observer of the sign, though it is ofmoment to note at this point, that where a light is directed onto thereverse or normally inner side of the sign body portion I, said openingswill then be clearly discernible through the translucent sheet Theconstruction thus far described, and particularly, the intelligenceconstituting groups of slots 8 and l and the slots 8, 9, and I8,constitute the master pattern means of my improved sign.

Rotatably mounted directly adjacent to the normally inner side of thesign body portion I is a disc-like or circular pattern selector I2, thesame being preferably constructed of cardboard or, other suitably stiltmaterial. To effect rotatable mounting of the pattern selector I 2, Iengage a bearing sleeve M in a portion of the body I concentrically ofthe groups of slots 5, "I, 8,

and 9, while another sleeve I5 is concentrically engaged through thepattern selector I2. A stub shaft or similar mounting I8 is rotatablyreceived in the bearing I4 and extends through the sleeve I5, the latterbeing fixedly connected thereto.

Thus, with rotation of the stub shaft I3, it will be seen that thepattern selector I2 will be moved therewith by and over the inner sideof the sign body portion I. A suitable drive (not shown) is adapted tobe connected to the shaft I3, whereby rotary motion may be transmittedto it and to the pattern selector I2.

To steady or brace the rotatable selector I2 during its period ofrotation, If may and preferably secure an arcuate guide bracket I6 to anappropriate portion of the inner side of the body portion I, saidbracket having overlapping engagement with a portion of the patternselector I2, as shown in the Figures 2, 3, 4, and 5, and by consequence,serving as a means for effectually retaining the selector I2 in directengagement or contact with the sign body portion I during such rotation.

The selector I2 is formed with groups of series of circularly disposedslots I! and I8, the slots of the series group I I being so arrangedthat they are radially alternated with respect to the slots of theseries group I8. Other and comparatively short semi-circular slots I9and may be and preferably are formed in portions of the rotatableselector I2, the slot I9 being aligned with certain of the series groupI8.

With rotatable mounting of the selector I2 upon the sign body portion Ias hereinbefore described, it will be noted on reference to the Figure3, that the series group of slots I8 will register or become alignedwith the series group of slots 6 formed in the body I, during the courseof rotary movement of said selector, and that the slots of the seriesgroup I1 during further rotation of the selector I2, will register orbecome aligned with the series group of slots 1 in the body I, as shown,in Figure 4. Since the slot I9 aligns with certain of the series groupI! and the slot 28 aligns with certain of the series group I8, it willbe understood that during rotation of the selector I2, they will,respectively, register with the series of slots 8 and 9 in the sign bodyupon either side of the series groups 6 and 1.

Differently or correspondingly colored translucent sheets ZI and 22 areengaged over the slots I! and I9 and I8 and 20 and appropriately securedto adjacent portions of the selector I2 by adhesive or similar means.

If desired, further animation may be accorded the sign by formingarrow-like or otherwise shaped openings, generally designated bythe'numeral 23 in the selector I 2, such openings corresponding in shapeand size with the openings It hereinbefore referred to, and beingsubstantiallyradially disposed in stepped fashion with respect to theselector I2. Thus, as the selector I2 is rotated, the different groupsof openings 23 will be successively registered with the openings III inthe sign body portion I. Translucent colored sheets 24 and 25 may beengaged over all or certain of the openings 23, so that as they becomesuccessively registered with the openings I0 during rotation of theselector I2, colored effects will be produced to the eye of an observer.

While I have hereinbefore stated that the translucent colored sheets 2|,22, 24, and 25 are engaged over the openings or slots in the selectorI2, it is quite obvious that the arrangement of such colored sheets maybe reversed, i. e., that translucent coloring may be presented overthose portions or the sheet II- applied to the face side of the signbody portion I directly adjacent the grouped series of circular slots 6,I, 8, and 9, as well as the openings III. Moreover, it is to beunderstood that the intelligence or advertising constituting groupedseries of slots 8 and I may be varied in their placement or positioningupon the sign body portion I, without deviating from the province of myinvention; likewise,.that the arrangement or formation of the slots 6,I, 8, and 9 and the openings I0 in the sign body portion I, and theslots and openings II, .I8, .l9, 20,

' and'23, respectively, in the rotatable selector rearwardly of theintelligence constituting groups of slots 6 and 1.

. be projected through the The selector I2 is now caused to rotate in aclock-wise direction at a comparatively slow but steady rate of speed bya motor or other driving means (not shown) connected to the shaft I3.Assuming that the slot 20 is just to one side of the start of the seriesof slots 8 in the sign, body portion I', with rotation of the selectorin the direction indicated, said slot will be successively registeredwith said openings 8, permitting light rays emitted from the lamp 5 tocolored translucent coverings thereof. As rotation of the selector I2continues, the grouped series of slots I8 therein will be brought intoprogressive registration with the different successively followingletters of the grouped series I, spelling out the word Heres. Theover-all lengths of the slots I8 are such that they are greater than theover-all lengths of the grouped series i constituting the word Heres,and by consequence, during the movement of the selector I2 in its rotarypath of travel, said slots I8 will be registered with the slots makingup the entire grouped series 1. As the slots I8 are successively andfinally wholly registered with the grouped series of slots I, light raysemitted from the lamp 5 will be permitted to be projected therethrough,thus, presenting an illuminated sign in form of the word Heres upon theface side of the sign body portion I. The selector I2, beingcontinuously rotated, will have its slots I8 disregistered with respectto jected therethrough, causing the word How upon the body portion I tobe illuminated ac cording to the color of the translucent sheet 2|engaged over the slots II. As rotation of the selector 2 continues, theslot I9 will be brought into successive registration with the slot 9 inthe sign body portion I, and of course, these latter slots will appearin illuminated form on said body portion I. It will be also understoodthat during the rotative movement of the selector I2 that the arrow orotherwise shaped openings 23 therein will be successively registeredwith the correspondingly shaped openings in the body portion I, andlight rays from the lamp 5 will be projected therethrough and will becolored according to the color of the translucent sheets 24 and 25engaged over certain of these openings 23.

The operation of the exhibitor, just described,

will continue, repeating the display of advertising matter orintelligence from the face side of the body portion I. I

In the Figures '7 to 12 inclusive I have shown a modified form of theinvention. The exhibitor illustrated in this particular form of theinvention is adaptable for usage in presenting certain illustrative datato an observer. It consists of a sign body portion I of rectangular orother shape, adapted to be supported in a vertical or near verticalposition by means of arms 2 hinged to its normally rearward'side, whicharms are immovably retained in their supporting positions by means ofstay pieces 3. The normally rearward ply of the body I has a portionthereof cut away, as indicated by the numeral 25, and the adjacentportion of the remaining ply of the body is formed with semi-circularseries of relatively short slots, generally indicated by the numeral 2?,intermediately of which other semi-circular series of short slots,generally indicated by the numeral 23, are formed therein.

A circular or disc-like selector I2 is rotatably mounted adjacent theouter side of the body portion I by means of a stub shaft I3 or likeelement connected thereto through a fitting I4 and rotatably receivedthrough a bearing sleeve I5 provided in an appropriate portion of thebody i. A motor or other driving means (not shown) is adapted to beconnected to the inner end of the shaft I3, in order that rotary motionmay be transmitted to it and to the selector I2.

The diameter of the selector I2 is such that a part thereof will haveoverlying relationship with that part of the body I having thesemi-circularly disposed series of slots 21 and 28 therein.

Aflixed to the normally outer side of the selector I2 is acorrespondingly shaped sheet of translucent material 29 having certaincharacters or figures, such for example as ducks in flight, illustratedin the instant embodiment of the invention and designated by the numeral30, printed or otherwise presented upon its face, together withsemi-circular and clock-wise pointing arrows or like symbols 3i; theFigures 30 being arranged in relatively spaced relation about theselector I2 in proximity to its circumference and the devices 3i beinginterpositioned with respect thereto.

Substantially segmentally grouped and semicircular series of openings,generally designated by the numeral 32 are formed in parts of theselector I2 directly adjacent and rearwardly of the Figures 30 presentedupon the face of the I translucent sheet 29, said openings beingpreferably covered with suitably shaped pieces of colored translucentmaterial 33 aflixed to the normally rearward and adjacent portion of theselector I2. Other openings, corresponding in size and shape to theopenings 32, and designated by the numeral 34, are formed in theselector I2 in proximity to the segmentally grouped semicircular seriesof openings These latter openings, as will be noted upon reference .tothe Figures 8 and 12 are arranged intermediately of certain of thesemi-circular series of openings 32. They are covered by a suitablysized and shaped piece of translucent material35 of a color differentfrom that of the translucent material 33.

D1 operation of the form of invention disclosed in the Figures 7 to 12inclusive, a steady and comparatively slow rotary motion is transmittedto the selector I2 through the shaft I3 connected thereto, causing thesaid selector to be moved in a clock-wise direction. This movement willcause the Figures presented upon the face of the sheet 29 covering theselector 12 to be moved in an orbital path of travel by thesemi-circular series of openings 21 and 28 formed in the sign bodyportion I adjacent the cut-away part 26. During this orbital movement ofthe figures 30, it will be appreciated that the grouped and semicircularseries of openings 32 formed in the selector l2 directly adjacent eachfigure, together with their companion openings 34 will be moved over thegrouped semi-circular series of openings 21 and 23. During suchmovement, the openings 32 will be successively registered with theseries 7 of openings 21, whereas the series of openings 34 will besuccessively registered with the series of openings designated by thenumeral 28. In this connection, it will be appreciated that because ofthe mode of arrangement of the openings 34 with respect to the openings32 in the selector I2, successive registration of said openings 34 withtheir companionate openings 28 in the body portion I will follow thesuccessive registration of the openings 32 with their respectivecompanionate openings 21. As registration of the openings 32 and 21 and34 and 28 is effected, light rays emitted from an electric lampdesignated for convenience by the numeral 36 and arranged in proximityto the cut-away portion 26 of the exhibitor body I will be projectedtherethrough. Due to the arrangement of the difierently coloredtranslucent pieces 33 and 35 over their respective openings 32 and 34,different color efiects will be v shown through those portions of thetranslucent sheet 29 directly over the openings 32 and 34.

The type of changeable or variable exhibitor described in the latterembodiment of the invention is particularly adaptable for usage indepicting or illustrating the comparative striking efiiciencies of theshot or pellets of shot gun shell loads, i. e., the greater number ofhits or mathematical chances of hits capable of being effected with ashort shot string loaded shell, as compared with that of an ordinaryload, or as it may be aptly termed a long shot string load. Theeffective or hit registering pellets of the difierent types of shot gunshell loads are depicted by the openings 32 upon the selector I2, whichregister during their orbital path of movement with the groupedsemi-circular series of openings 2'3, whereas the ineffective pellets ormisses are depicted by the openings 34 in the selector I2 which registerwith the openings 28 in the sign body I. The hits and the misses arecapable of being readily distinguished by an observer of the exhibitorby reason of the different colors of light rays which will be presentedupon those portions of the face of the translucent sheet adjacent theopenings 32 and 34, which openings, as heretofore stated, are arrangedadjacent to the various figures 3 upon the sheet 29 and are sorelatively positioned with respect to such figures that the hitdepicting openings 32 will be very closely or directly positioned withrespect to such figures 38, whereas the openings 34 registering with theopenings 28 following registration of the openings 32 with the openings27, will be so arranged with respect to the figures 30 as to clearlyestablish the same to an observer as misses.

It will be understood that the modified form of exhibitor may be greatlyvaried as to its mode of usage; also, that the arrangement of theregistering openings 21, 28, 32, and 34 may be greatly changed from thatdisclosed in the illustrated embodiment without departing from theprovince of the invention. By the same token, difierent colored effectsmay be produced upon the face side of the selector 12, by changing thecolor of the translucent sheets 33 and 35 as desired.

Manifestly, the constructions shown are capable of considerablemodification, and such modification as is within the scope of my claims,I consider within the spirit of my invention.

I claim:

1. A changeable exhibitor comprising a master pattern means having aplurality of groups of openings formed therein, the openings of one I ofgroups of openings formed therein, the openings of one of said groups insaid selector means being arranged in planes different to those in whichthe openings in another group in said selector means are arranged, theopenings in said selector means being adapted to be progressivelyregistered with the correspondingly arranged openings of certain of saidgroups of said openings in said master pattern means and permitting thepassage of light rays therethrough during continuous movement of theselector means until all of the registering openings in said masterpattern means are in registration and visible and maintaining suchregistration and visibility for a predetermined period of time duringthe continuous movement of said selector means.

2. A changeable exhibitor comprising a master pattern means having aplurality of groups of openings therein, the openings of one of saidgroups in the master pattern means being arranged in plan-es difierentfrom those in which the openings of another group in said master patternmeans are arrangedand a continuously moving selector meansco-operatively associated with said master pattern means, said selectormeans having a plurality of groups of openings of different lengthsformed therein, the openings in one of said groups in said selectormeans being arranged in planes different from those in which theopenings of another group in said selector means are arranged, theopenings of the different groups in said selector means being adapted tobe progressively registered with those openings in said groups in saidmaster pattern means which are located in planes corresponding theretoto permit the passage of light therethrough during continuous movementof said selector means until all of the openings of the registeringgroups are in registration and visible, and maintaining suchregistration and visibility for a predetermined period of time duringthe continuous movement of said selector means.

HARRY V. MARSH.

